BigBeatNut Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 I like Labella flats for 4-string, but when it comes to 5-string sets, I've found the Labells B-strings inconsistent with the rest of the set (in sound and in looks too, suggesting they're manufactured differently). The B's are just lifeless, no punch. So can anyone recommend me flats like Labellas, but are known to have good 5-string sets ? Thanks, Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimBobTTD Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 Wow...thanks for posting this. I was just about to order a set of Labella 5 string flatwounds, which would have been my first foray into flatwounds. Nice to hear this before I ordered and ended up disillusioned with the entire idea. You say they sound and look different - do they feel different too? Have you tried a load of sets, or just a couple? I'm just trying to see whether this is an isolated case or standard for Labellas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeatNut Posted September 19, 2010 Author Share Posted September 19, 2010 [quote name='JimBobTTD' post='960634' date='Sep 18 2010, 06:21 PM']You say they sound and look different - do they feel different too? Have you tried a load of sets, or just a couple? I'm just trying to see whether this is an[/quote] Just a couple ... the first was strictly speaking a mis matched set anyway (jamerson B with the rest of the set starting at 043 G) but even though the Jamerson was, at .128, the right gauge for a B for that set, the sound was wrong, and the surface of the flats looked different. 2nd set was bought as a 5-string set, .128 B, and the B looked and sounded wrong in just the same was as the Jamerson B. So that's one or two sets ... depending on if you think the Jamerson B was supposed to sound different anyway. Not a big sample ... but I'm not inclined, at the moment, to spend another £40 to discover it's the same every time ... particularly if someone can recommend a 5 string set of flats that they like. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeatNut Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 Nobody else use flats on a 5-string ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huge Hands Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 (edited) I use Labella flats on my 5 strings. I have had one bad B string which had no real sustain when plucked. I had just put the set on a new bass I had bought and was suspecting it was the bass - when "ping" - at the next gig the string core snapped. I had been getting them from Stringbusters and complained and got a replacement sent through which had a different colour tape on it! Therefore, it was probably either another range of Labella or a different make they naughtily put in a Labella packet. However, it looked and felt close enough to me and is still on the bass now! However, I have had 2 other 5 stringers (of different type) and found the full set of strings (including the B string) to be fine. I think others have alluded to Labella having a QC issue on strings and people often seem to get a duff string here and there. I just thought it worth a mention in case something like this is your issue, rather than Labella just being bad full stop. Edited January 8, 2011 by Huge Hands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeatNut Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 [quote name='Huge Hands' post='1082625' date='Jan 8 2011, 09:46 PM']I just thought it worth a mention in case something like this is your issue, rather than Labella just being bad full stop.[/quote] Appreciate that, thanks ... I might venture to buy another Labella set in that case. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 TI Flats are fine, but I realise the tension thing might not do it for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shambo Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 I'm interested in this as well, wanting a recommendation for quality high tension flats for a 5 string. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 [quote name='Shambo' post='1082889' date='Jan 9 2011, 04:22 AM']I'm interested in this as well, wanting a recommendation for quality high tension flats for a 5 string.[/quote] D'addario Chromes. They're crazy high tension. I remember buying a 4 string set of my usual gauge, 45s, and they were stupidly high tension Roto flats are perfect for me as I play right at the bridge on my Thunderbird. Seem to be about half way between TIs and Chromes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeatNut Posted January 9, 2011 Author Share Posted January 9, 2011 [quote name='Delberthot' post='1082986' date='Jan 9 2011, 11:04 AM']Roto flats are perfect for me as I play right at the bridge on my Thunderbird. Seem to be about half way between TIs and Chromes.[/quote] Any idea where labellas sit on your scale ? Similar to Rotos ? (Labellas and TIs I know fairly well, not the others) Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 (edited) [quote name='BigBeatNut' post='1082995' date='Jan 9 2011, 11:15 AM']Any idea where labellas sit on your scale ? Similar to Rotos ? (Labellas and TIs I know fairly well, not the others) Andy[/quote] Unfortunately I've never used LaBella flats before, only TI, Chromes & Rotos. [quote]thomastic flats are great, med. tension but very high quality string. i believe they do 5 string poss 6 string sets[/quote] They do do a 6 string set which come in at a very painful £50 when compared to Roto flats as a 6 string set for £32 I had a set on my Ibanez SR1016 and they were amazing. I much prefer TIs with active electronics for some reason. Edited January 9, 2011 by Delberthot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 I use TI flats on a 5 and they seem great. The 135 gauge works well with the 34" scale too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakbear Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 A couple of ideas on this thread here.... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=114327"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=114327[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I'm happy with my DR strings so I'd probably look at the Hi Beam Flatwound 5 String (FL5-45) sets first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73Jazz Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 (edited) You should consider Ernie Ball Flats 5. They have a really good tension and sound very "soundful" in comparison for example to Chromes, which have a little gap in the mids. For me, the EB flats are as good as my beloved Labella flats. The DR flats are high quality strings, but for me they have no real charakter and sound a little bit "boring". Edited January 11, 2011 by 73Jazz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeatNut Posted January 13, 2011 Author Share Posted January 13, 2011 [quote name='73Jazz' post='1085506' date='Jan 11 2011, 01:58 PM']For me, the EB flats are as good as my beloved Labella flats.[/quote] That's the kind of thing I've been waiting to hear. And you've tried a 5-string set ? Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73Jazz Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Yes Andy, i only talk about things i tried for my own^^ I had them on a Fender RB 5. I send you a pm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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